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1 Inside: MEASURE K SPECIAL REPORT: Centinela School : Per Board of Education Policy, student photos cannot be published online without written consent by a parent or Parent School guardian. These photos have therefore been removed in the online version of the publication. To request a printed copy, please contact Two Brand-New School Facilities and Counting......page 15 Spanish Edition...page 23 EDICIÓN EN ESPAÑOL...página 23 Annual Report to the Community, Volume 5, 2002 The Year in Review: January through December of 2002

2 BROADENING PERSPECTIVES... The world has indeed become a smaller place for Inglewood students whether they re out in the ocean watching whales, using technology to connect to people across the country, or graduating and heading off to universities around the nation. At the same time, Inglewood s schools continue to attract national and international attention. The theme of this annual report, therefore, is Broadening Perspectives...Expanding Horizons. The Inglewood Miracle: Research Puts Four Inglewood Schools in the National Spotlight Across the United States, people ask the question: How do we make sure that all students become academic achievers, no matter how much money they have or what their family background? To answer this question, many people including researchers, politicians, and school administrators from across the U.S. and abroad have turned their attention to Inglewood. On April 30, 2000, the front-page headline of the Sunday L.A. Times read, Inglewood Writes the Book on Success. The article pointed out that while people sometimes assume urban schools are low-performers, several Inglewood elementary schools have defied the statistics, in many cases outperforming schools in wealthier areas on state tests. In 2002, four Inglewood elementary schools again entered the national spotlight in a Pacific Research Foundation report entitled They Have Overcome: High-Performing, High- Poverty Schools in California. The schools selected for the study ranked 7 or above on the Academic Performance Index (API) and had at least 80% of their students eligible for the federal free-lunch program. In Inglewood, five schools fit the description: Bennett-Kew, Hudnall, Kelso, Payne, and Highland. The Inglewood Miracle The Inglewood Unified School District is relatively small compared to its giant neighbor, the Los Angeles Unified School District, the report states. However, five Inglewood elementary schools make the highperforming, high-poverty list, more than in Los Angeles. The natural question, then, is what is going on in Inglewood that is causing so many of its students to attain such high performance levels? 2...continued on page 13 On the cover: Highland Elementary School students expand their horizons out into the ocean on a whale watching trip made possible by Highland s afterschool program. The photo was taken by After-School Program Coordinator Joann Arowosegbe. To read about the program, please turn to page 6. Making the World a Smaller Place Morningside and City Honors Students Participate in a Live Internet Lecture Series from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute In December of 2002, the world became a little smaller for a group of students at Morningside High School (MHS) in the Inglewood Unified School District. Along with peers from City Honors High School, several MHS biology classes watched a live Internet broadcast of Scanning Life s Matrix: Genes, Proteins, and Small Molecules, a 2002 lecture series for high school students by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The first part of the series illustrated advances in genetics made possible by applying chemistry to the study of genes and genomes. The second part talked about how these discoveries are advancing causes in medical science such as searching for a Left: On behalf of the Inglewood High School Band, these students display trophies won at the Atuscadero High School competition in October of EXPANDING HORIZONS Left: Principal Lorraine Fong of Bennett-Kew Elementary School and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Rhuenette Montle were invited to Washington, D.C. on January 8, 2003, by President George W. Bush to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the No Child Left Behind legislation. President Bush recognized Bennett- Kew and seven other schools from across the country for their exceptional academic achievement, and for standing out as schools that are closing the achievement gap despite the challenges they face in an urban school environment. cure for cancer. AP Biology teacher Patricia Richardson was pleased to be able to bring the lecture series into the school for the first time this year now that large-screen technology is available there. At the close of the lecture, after listening to questions and comments from their crosscountry peers, students embarked upon an energetic and knowledgeable discussion of what they learned and how it applied to what they had learned previously. Twelfth-grader Sharlanna Bell, a former Physiology student, was impressed with how quickly science is advancing. Last time I had Ms. Richardson, they were just talking about how they were developing the Gene...continued on page 21

3 THE 2002 STATE TESTS: Plenty of Good News to Report In April and May of 2002, Inglewood Unified School District students in grades 2-11 sat down once again to take their annual state tests. In 2001, Inglewood s elementary school students shined on the tests, with some schools raising their scores as much as nine times the amount expected by the state. The 2002 results, while not as dramatic, tell a positive story one of long-term growth district-wide, of high-scoring schools that continue to impress, and of gains in many areas where progress is needed. Kids Score Above National Average One part of the test is the Stanford 9, to be replaced in 2003 with the CAT6. Both versions have the same purpose to compare California students achievement to a national sample of students. In 2002, the average Inglewood student in grades 1-5 scored above the national average in mathematics, with students in grades 1-3 scoring better than 70% of students in the national sample. The average Inglewood student in grades 1-3 was reading above the national average again in INGLEWOOD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 401 South Inglewood Ave. Inglewood, CA (310) ADMINISTRATION Dr. Leonard Osborne Administrator in Charge - Office of the Superintendent Dr. Rhuenette Montle Chief Academic Officer Dr. Leonard Osborne Chief Human Resources Officer Mr. Arnold Butler Principal on Special Assignment - Assistant to the Superintendent Mr. Gwyane Collins Inspector General Mr. Paul J. Letson Executive Director of Facilities Planning, Maintenance & Operations, Transportation The Annual Report 2002 is brought to you by: Content, Design, & Layout: Erica Marciniec Copy Editor: John Wietting Translator: Jean Caughell Content Editor: Jean Freeman Spanish Editor: Olga Hawkins For comments/questions, contact: or Test Scores Rise Stanford 9 test scores show that efforts to improve student performance in the upper grades are having an effect, as averages for each grade level climb slowly but surely. In 2002, math scores rose in grades 5-6 and 9-11, while reading scores rose in grades 5-6 and 9 and 11. Overall, in the five years that students have taken the Stanford 9, math and reading scores have risen across the board in every grade level district-wide....continued on page 12 Inside This Issue The Inglewood Miracle: Research Puts Four Schools in the Spotlight... 2 Making the World a Smaller Place: Students Take Part in Lecture Series 2 The 2002 State Tests: Plenty of Good News to Report... 3 Inglewood Preschoolers Learn to Play and Play to Learn... 4 A Message from Dr. Leonard Osborne... 4 Parents Get On Board with Technology... 5 Preschool Pathways: An Early Start for Special Kids... 5 Hudnall Students Use Drama to Think about Our Future Impact... 6 Before School and After School Students Keep on Learning... 6 Making Progress Towards a Highly Qualified Teacher in Every Classroom 7 Raising Our Own Teachers... 7 The Road to Higher Education... 8 Students Shop for Colleges and Universities... 9 Scholarships, Scholarships, and More Scholarships... 9 Inglewood High School Graduates the Class of Hillcrest High School: Class of Morningside High School Graduates the Class of Doing What Works in the Upper Grades To Protect and Serve Children: The School District Police Department. 14 Inglewood Unified School District Financial Report Measure K Special Report Edición Español Spanish Edition THE INGLEWOOD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION IS HERE TO SERVE YOU Ms. Cresia Green-Davis President Ms. Eveline Ross Vice President Mrs. Alice B. Grigsby Member Ms. Gloria D. Gray Member Dr. Loystene L. Irvin Member The Board of Education represents the community by making policy decisions relating to education. Make your voice heard. Contact your Board of Education representatives today. 3

4 Inglewood Preschoolers Learn to Play and Play to Learn Early Education is Good for the Entire Family and the Results Last a Lifetime In the southeastern corner of Inglewood, on the large piece of land that is home to Morningside High School, Monroe Middle School, and Woodworth Elementary School, lies one of the Inglewood Unified School District s hidden jewels a place where preschoolers learn to play and play to learn. There, young children develop the solid educational footing they need to make the most of their entire K-12 education. Over 300 students, ages three to five, attend programs at the Child Development Center (CDC) each day. Seated in circles in their classrooms, they do problem solving for preschoolers. For example: The dinosaurs don t want to share. What should they do? Even at age three, kids can learn how to find solutions that everyone can agree on. Later, they practice sharing and decision-making while playing together at centers including block city, music, the house, language and writing, the nursery, and art, to name a few. At the same time, teachers and assistants interact with the children, observe them, and record their progress. Research shows that children who take part in highquality early childhood programs develop better social and academic skills in the early elementary years. As President George Bush said during a speech in April of 2002, If we expect achievement from every child, all our children need to begin school with an equal chance at achievement. Programs at the Child Development Center have long helped to provide that equal chance by giving kids a good, early start at school. Specifically, the early education programs on campus include the following: Child Development Center (CDC) Paid for by the State of California for the children of parents who work, go to school, or are training for jobs, CDC is an all-day program available to residents of Inglewood and Ladera Heights. There are only 125 spaces, so parents should sign up early. Head Start A federally funded program, Head Start helps lowincome families give their children a head start on education, while also offering free social services to meet the needs of the family. Children attend the morning or the afternoon session. The Head Start program at CDC has 176 students from the and zip codes and can be reached at Other Head Start programs, through the Training and Research Foundation, are located throughout Inglewood and the Los Angeles area. For more information about the Head Start programs near you, call the TRF office at continued on page 20 Above: Head Start teacher Deatrice Green paints faces for a school holiday celebration. Research shows that children who take part in high-quality early childhood programs develop better social and academic skills in the early elementary years. A Message from Dr. Leonard Osborne Administrator in Charge Office of the Superintendent It is with both pleasure and pride that I report on the various developments across the Inglewood Unified School District in the past year. Again this year the district has had to respond to a change in leadership. In July of 2002, Dr. James Harris stepped down from the superintendency and Dr. Paul Possemato was summoned from retirement to serve as Interim Superintendent until a permanent replacement could be found. As that nationwide search continues, the Board of Education has named me as Administrator in Charge of the Superintendent s Office. In that light, I am delighted to inform you that the Inglewood Unified School District s students and staff have continued their efforts to seize every opportunity to expand learning and growth. Among the numerous developments in this report are state testing results, curriculum and methodology changes, facility improvements, and school/community activities. This publication cannot possibly detail all of the school district s victories; however, we have tried to reflect the broad diversity of events represented among the district s schools and programs. The Inglewood Unified School District continues to systematize successful academic delivery in the classroom and embrace technological advances. On behalf of the students, employees, administration, and Board of Education, I encourage all the citizens of Inglewood and Ladera Heights to read this annual report with interest and enthusiasm. I am convinced that the contents of this report will demonstrate the unrelenting progress that the students and staff are realizing.

5 Preschool Pathways: An Early Start for Special Kids S tarting early can make all the difference in the world, especially when it comes to teaching children with special needs. That s why the close-knit team of teachers and counselors in Inglewood s Preschool Pathways program makes sure these children start off on the right path from the beginning. I want soup, said a four-year-old in Debbie Block s special day class, after some prompting by Maureen Soria, a speech therapist with the LA County Office of Education. Lunch, like every classroom moment, is an opportunity for learning. Next, students wash up and sit down to play educational games with their teacher and assistants, followed by an art project. I keep a busy classroom, said Mrs. Block (right), whose well-structured activities come one after the other, keeping children on task and maximizing their learning Smiles light up the faces of this young boy and his teaching assistant, Rosa Cruz, in Debbie Block s special day class, as she helps him to identify the sounds of letters. Parents Get On Board with Technology As of September, 2002, the Inglewood Unified School District Technobus has a new home and the parents and community members taking classes on board the bus couldn t be happier. The Technobus, equipped with rows of state-of-the-art computers, now parks in two different Inglewood locations each week, offering English, GED high school equivalency, high school diploma, citizenship, and computer classes through the Inglewood Community Adult School. The purchase of the Technobus was made possible by a grant written by Dr. Barbara Trotter, Director of Grants and Program Development, along with local partners. I feel less shy, said Guadalupe Orozco, when asked how the computerbased English class is different from a regular English...continued on page 31 during their three-and-a-half-hour school day. Many Pathways to Success Mrs. Block s class is one of several Pathways for students with disabilities ranging from speech, cognitive, or developmental delays to autism, Down syndrome, Soto syndrome, and special health needs. Because students needs vary, each child s pathway is different. A child with a mild delay in development, for example, might attend the regular preschool next-door at the Child Development Center/Head Start, while receiving weekly special education services from a specialist. A child in need of more intensive attention might start out in a full-time special day class. No matter the route, however, the motto is the same: All Paths Lead to Increased Success in Kindergarten. In the end, the goal is to help children develop independence and social skills so that they are able to function alongside their typically developing peers, explained resource specialist Diane Corbin. One of the ways this is done is by including young specialneeds students in regular education classrooms. Fitting In from the Start Now in her second year in the program, four-year-old April has been diagnosed with Down syndrome. Each day, she spends an hour in Mrs. Block s special day class, where she works on communication using gestures that help her to remember her words. Her mother, Maria, comes to the classroom often to lend a hand, provide 5...continued on page 21

6 HUDNALL STUDENTS USE DRAMA TO THINK ABOUT OUR FUTURE IMPACT While Generations of Inglewood Teachers Make a Future Impact of Their Own Give peace a chance! Stop polluting our planet! sang the young protestors as they marched outside the senator s office on the set of Future Impact, a play performed in May of 2002 at the Inglewood Playhouse by Hudnall Elementary School students. The fifth-graders explored problems such as pollution, war, and political corruption, while at the same time learning how to put on a theatrical production. Their teacher, Maria Morales, understands the importance of the arts such as theater, music, dance, and visual arts in a child s education. Maria herself learned to love theater when she was a student in Inglewood schools. 6 Imagining a Better World Through the Arts The arts encourage imagination and creativity important skills for every academic subject. According to the National Standards for Arts Education, the arts [provide] children with tools not only for understanding [the] world but [also] for contributing to it. In 1998, students in Inglewood s APPI collegepreparatory program made a creative contribution to the world when they wrote Future Impact under the direction of Eunice Curry-Jankans at Morningside High School. To do so, they built upon what they learned in other academic subjects organized around the 1998 APPI science fiction theme. In 1999, Future Impact showed a second time through the City of Inglewood s YouthServ program. It was coproduced by Inglewood High School graduates Maria Morales and Sean Webb. Then in May of 2002, Hudnall Inside with his supporters, Senator Coldman decides what to do about the protesters rallying outside. Elementary School fifth graders proudly brought their own adaptation of Future Impact to the stage as a part of the school s visual and performing arts magnet program. Thinking about Our Future Impact The third adaptation of Future Impact opens with an angry senator trying to put down demonstrations by people who are unhappy with his anti-environment, pro-war agenda. Later, he is visited by the vision of two messengers, Nuke and Peace, who tell him that they are not pleased with the direction [his] choices will lead us. The play takes an imaginative turn when the people transform into decaying zombie monsters, and the senator is forced to come to terms with the Future Impact of his actions....continued on page 21 Above: Students follow detailed designs to assemble their robot in an afterschool robotics class at Highland Elementary School. Before School and After School Students Keep on Learning Monday through Friday, Jessica wakes up early and goes to school at 6:30 a.m. to review her homework with tutors over breakfast. After school, she relaxes with a snack from her long day of studies and heads outside to play before diving into homework, tutoring, and a variety of other activities. Her school day ends at 6:30 p.m. when her mother comes to pick her up. Jessica is one of 75 students who take part in the childcare/ after-school program at Highland Elementary School, which began two years ago in part thanks to a grant from the LA County Office of Education. The program provides for the children of parents or caregivers who are job searching, educating themselves, or being trained for positions, explained After-School Coordinator Joann Arowosegbe, who is also the Program Coordinator at Highland. To apply, parents submit their applications to the County Office. On any given day, the after school crew at Highland Elementary can be found playing volleyball, basketball, hula hoops, sack races, parachute games, and Chinese jump rope, to name a few. At the same time, the regular tutoring in mathematics and language arts, along with homework help, has led more than one parent to praise the program for improving his or her...continued on page 19 Regular tutoring in mathematics and language arts, along with homework help, has led more than one parent to praise the program for improving his or her child s academic skills.

7 Making Progress Towards the Goal A Highly Qualified Teacher in Every Classroom It is no secret that there is a teacher shortage in California. As the student population grows and current teachers retire, more and more teachers are needed. Inglewood Receives High Honors Even so, in September of 2002, the LA County Teacher Recruitment Center recognized the Inglewood Unified School District for significantly increasing its number of credentialed teachers, and for decreasing the percentage of emergency credentialed teachers from 44% in to 35% in From Far and Wide, Teachers Flock to Inglewood One of the reasons for the increase is the Inglewood Unified School District s successful teacher recruitment program. In the last two years, administrators and teachers traveled to 23 states and the Philippines to invite teachers to Inglewood. Radio and television commercials, brochures, print ads, online listings of Inglewood job openings, and referrals all played a part in attracting fully credentialed teachers to Inglewood. The school district also began offering cash bonuses in 2001 to fully credentialed teachers hired to join Inglewood s teaching team especially to those trained in math, science, special education, fine arts, and bilingual education. Money to help with moving costs has been an added incentive. Inglewood Taps Its Resources Where has the extra money come from? The bonuses and U.S. recruitment costs have been paid for by a grant from the California Department of Education. The Teaching as Priority (TAP) grant was awarded to the school district in 2000 thanks to an Raising Our Own Teachers RAISE tutor David Garcia helps a student with her reading in Dr. John Wietting s class at Oak Street Elementary School. For the past five years, the Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) has raised its own teachers and they have, in turn, helped over 1,000 Inglewood children to become better readers and mathematicians. Starting in 1998, Project RAISE trained local college students to become tutors in Inglewood schools. By 2002, RAISE tutors were helping children regularly at Bennett-Kew, Centinela, Daniel Freeman, Highland, Kelso, Warren Lane, La Tijera, Oak Street, Parent, Payne, and Worthington schools. Many of the RAISE tutors plan to become teachers, with 10% of the program s graduates already having achieved that goal. Several former tutors are now teaching in Inglewood schools. The tutors are excellent individuals who are dedicated to the children and they ve been most appreciated, said the program s coordinator, Iraida Johns, whose motto has been to Make a Difference One Child at a Time. Sadly, state funding for Project RAISE was cut this year due to California s budget crisis. However, Mrs. Johns is optimistic that the learning experience has had a positive impact on the lives of the tutors and the children they worked with. She thanks the tutors, volunteers, businesses and organizations, school district personnel, board members, and the silent partners who have quietly worked behind the scenes for supporting the cause of giving children the best learning assistance they need. After five successful years, Project RAISE closed its doors in January of However, its legacy lives on in the educational success of the children it has served, and in the new college teachers it has helped to raise. Making a Difference One Child at a Time application written by Dr. Barbara Trotter, Director of Grants and Program Development. Keeping the End in Mind With continued funding from the state, school district officials are optimistic that the new recruitment efforts will pay off in the long run, making progress toward the ultimate goal of having a highly qualified teacher in every classroom. I love the kids here, said Marcelina Quimbo, who taught for 20 years in the Philippines before coming to Inglewood s City Honors High School in 2002 to teach Geometry and Algebra I and II. It s a great learning experience for me it s enjoyable and challenging, she said. Finding the Right Teachers for Our Kids There is perhaps nothing more important we can do to improve California education than provide our students the best trained and educated teachers, Governor Gray Davis once said. Inglewood TAP Coordinator and former teacher Alesia Mayfield couldn t agree more. However, as she works to bring the best and brightest teachers to Inglewood s classrooms, she looks for one more thing the desire to teach. If you don t have a well-prepared, interested teacher one who wants to be in the classroom that s a problem in my eyes, she said. I m very pleased with the progress I ve seen in the last few years in recruiting and retaining teachers. Ms. Mayfield sends a list of qualified applicants to schools on...continued on page 22 7

8 The Road to Higher Education Families of Middle and High School Students Learn to Prepare Early for College What does it take to go to college? Good grades? High test scores? A lot of money? According to workshop presenters at the University of California s LA Basin Initiative Family Conference, what it really takes is know-how. The Family Conference was hosted by the Inglewood Unified School District and held at Morningside High School in May of Families of middle and high school students from Inglewood and surrounding areas attended the free day-long event to learn about college planning and preparation, test-taking, the application process, financing a child s education, and college life. College: The Best Investment Don t be afraid of taking out a loan to pay for college, presenter Keith Curry from UC Irvine told the group of parents and students assembled to learn about Financing Your Child s Education. It will probably cost you less than a car loan and it s a good investment. He explained the different types of loans and grants available to students, and how to go about getting the necessary forms. In the Higher Education and Career Opportunities workshop, a panel of professionals gave students and their parents a range of advice but in particular, to follow their dreams. You will increase your wealth and your happiness as soon as you figure out what you really want to do, said Malcolm Ian Cross, a producer and screenwriter from Masstarcross Productions. Nothing defines what you will be, said the panel s host, Cyd 8 Spikes, from the South Bay Workforce Investment Board, Nothing defines what you will be not your economic status nor your color. The important thing is not to give up. -Cyd Spikes, South Bay WorkForce Investment Board not your economic status, nor your color.the important thing is not to give up. The workshops were available in both English and Spanish, which Teodora Hilara, whose daughter Mireya attends Morningside High School, found to be very helpful. I already knew a little, she explained in Spanish, but I learned a lot more. It was very interesting. Mireya added: I got more insight on how to prepare to enter college what s required of you [academically] and also the financial part. Planning Years in Advance The organizers did a wonderful job, said Mona Lisa Whitaker, who brought her friend s son, Frank Macias, to the Family Conference. The workshops were very well done, she added. I hope they do this again soon. Frank, then an 8 th -grader at Crozier Middle School, was among the Right: Mona Lisa Whitaker attended the Family Conference with her friend s son, Frank Macias. The organizers did a wonderful job, she said. The workshops were very well done. I hope they do this again soon. Don t be afraid of taking out a loan to pay for college. It will probably cost you less than a car loan and it s a good investment, said Keith Curry from UC Irvine. many middle school students who have started planning for college years in advance. Formerly a student in Ms. Manning s Advanced Drama class at Crozier, Frank hopes to continue his study of drama at UCLA. Ms. Manning is the best drama teacher ever, said Frank. When I get into college, I ll have to thank her. In addition to workshops, tables were set up around campus to provide information about the different University of California campuses, El Camino College, CSU Northridge, scholarship funds, and resources available in the community such as academic tutoring. At Roger s Park in Inglewood, for example, free tutoring is available by UCLA students through the African Student Union s SHAPE program. In addition, there is a College Resource Lab made possible by the City of Inglewood Parks and Recreation Department and Americorps VISTA. The Proof Is in the Pudding College is a bit of a culture shock, said student panelist Judith Ramirez in a discussion entitled Experiencing College Life Firsthand. Judith graduated from Morningside High School last year and is now pursuing a double major in History and Chicano Studies at UCLA. Her fellow panelists included Ty Holland (Inglewood High, 2000, at UCLA), Tanisha Reyes (Inglewood High, 2001, at SMC), Keyanna Hatcher (Inglewood High, 2002, at UC Berkeley), UCLA students Karyn Lee and Anica Kesey, and the panel s host, Kevin Linell of UCLA. In the question-and-answer session, Family Conference participants were pleased to see that the proof was in the pudding Inglewood students are not only making it to college; they are also taking full advantage of the opportunities they have earned. College IS in Reach Activities like the Family Conference help families to realize that college is in reach. We want parents and children side-by-side hearing the same thing that there are opportunities for their children, said Sandra Black-Walker, who, together with IUSD staff and parents, worked with the University of California to coordinate the event under the direction of Willa Snorton and the Special Projects Department. The Family Conference is an annual undertaking of the University of California LA Basin Initiative, an outreach effort of the eight 13 undergraduate UC campuses.

9 Students Shop for Colleges and Universities Inglewood College Fair Attracts a Large Number of Students, Parents, & Colleges Prepare for Your Future, read the flyers and on November 7, 2002, the 12 th Annual Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) College Fair at Hollywood Park was packed with students doing exactly that. Students had the chance to visit over 90 booths advertising colleges and universities, including the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Independent Colleges and Universities, California Community Colleges, and specialty schools. Representatives spoke about each group s different requirements and programs in a Higher Education Information Panel, held for the first time this year. Information about the military, career counseling, and financial aid was also available. Scholarships, Scholarships, and More Scholarships For Inglewood s College-Bound After graduating from the Inglewood Community Adult School in 2000, Maribel Alvarez was one of the first recipients of an academic scholarship from the Inglewood Educational Foundation (IEF). Thanks to the overwhelming support of individuals and businesses, the Foundation was able to give Maribel another $1,000 towards her studies this year. In 2002, she finished her AA degree at Santa Monica College and is now studying sociology at UCLA. Maribel s story is in every way one of success. After leaving her studies behind and moving Right: Maribel Alvarez will use the $1,000 scholarship towards her studies at UCLA. She is pictured with her former principal, Lacy Alexander, and counselors, Sherryl Carter and Maggie Myers, from the Inglewood Community Adult School. to Inglewood, Maribel enrolled in the Adult School because her mother wanted her to earn a high school diploma. She had no plans to go on to college. My counselors and my teachers believed in me and made me go for the rest, said Maribel. Now, she hopes to one day become a counselor and work with low-income schools so she can motivate students to follow their dreams. This year, the Inglewood Educational Foundation was able...continued on page 19 Left: Morningside graduate Jonathan Young receives a $1,000 scholarship towards his studies at Fresno State University. He is pictured with former Interim Superintendent Dr. Paul M. Possemato and Foundation Treasurer Leonard Fuller. One of the Biggest College Fairs in Southern California The IUSD College Fair has grown into one of the larger college fairs in Southern California, drawing people from Inglewood and beyond. John Mims, former Associate Director of Admission at UC Davis, described its humble beginnings, made possible by the hard work of Maurice Wiley and Jo Ann Jolly-Blanks, then college counselors at Inglewood and Morningside high schools. We were thinking, how do you get a lot of colleges to visit Inglewood? said Mr. Mims. The solution was to combine the college fairs for the two schools. When the entire community is coming, you can get more colleges to attend. Now, eleven local public and private schools take part, which helps to attract a large number of college representatives to the event. The first combined college fair was sponsored by the City of Inglewood twelve years ago. Since then, Hollywood Park Casino and Racetrack have been the sponsors, with Pinnacle Entertainment joining the team in We don t pay for anything, said Inglewood High School college counselor Jo Ann Jolly-Blanks, who coordinates the event. The sponsors go out of their way to accommodate us and the colleges, and to make the college fair a success. A College-Going Culture The annual college fair is an important part of the school district s effort to create a college-going culture in the schools, where students are not only encouraged to aim for college, but are also provided with the high-level academics, test-preparation, and college-awareness activities necessary to prepare them for a successful college experience. Inglewood High School s Jo Ann Jolly-Blanks coordinates the college fair and is a great college counselor, says student body Vice President Emmanuell Chisholm. After four years of attending the college fair, this group of seniors from Inglewood High School already had a pretty good idea about which college they hoped to attend. Students Decide Early It s a great college fair, said Daniel Farris, Inglewood High School s Associated Student Body (ASB) President. When asked what colleges they plan to attend, a group of Inglewood High School seniors was quick to answer many having made their decisions already after four years of attending the college fair. We already know where we want to go because we have a great college counselor and a great College and Career Center, said Emmanuell Chisolm,...continued on page 20 9

10 INGLEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES THE CLASS OF 2002 The Great Western Forum was filled again this year for the 97 th Commencement Exercise of Inglewood High School. Students filled the floor of the Forum to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance played by the Inglewood High School Band. You have to try hard to get to this day, said student body President Myles Sims, congratulating his classmates. Earlier in the week, at the Senior Awards program, 83 students were recognized for graduating in the top 10% of the class, and a host of scholarships were awarded. After introducing guests and the Inglewood High School staff, Principal Adriana McNally gave a special recognition to math teacher Grace O Bryan, who retired in 2002 after 34 years of service in the school district. A Positive Attitude We have proved to ourselves and others that we could do it and we did, said Salutatorian Ana Soltero, who now attends UC Santa Barbara and plans to study psychology. One of the most important components to reaching our goals is our attitude, she reminded classmates. Independent Thinkers Valedictorian Yaneth Ruiz now attends UCLA and is considering becoming a pediatrician. She plans to live and work in Inglewood upon completing her degree. We have been equipped with the skills, the knowledge, and the drive to change our own communities, and I am excited for the difference that I know we will make in this world, she said. Yaneth s words reflected on the many learning experiences made possible by the people at Inglewood High School. We need to remember the teachers and friends that have taught us to be independent thinkers by leaving us to tackle that one tough 10 assignment with no guidance, those who taught us how to be good friends by always being there for us, and most importantly, the people who have taught us to have confidence in ourselves by assuring us that we can be successful. We have been equipped with the skills, the knowledge, and the drive to change our own communities, and I am excited for the difference that I know we will make in this world. -Yaneth Ruiz, Valedictorian The Inglewood High School Choir performed a beautiful selection followed by Senior Class Speaker Daisy Benitez, who now attends Mount Holyoke College. Daisy told classmates to get up and fight when life gets you down, encouraging them to get out and explore the world, but at the same time to remember where they came from. For twelve years our students have been preparing for this day, said former Superintendent Dr. James Harris as he applauded students, parents, and grandparents alike. Commencement doesn t mean the end; it means the beginning. You are beginning the next step. May you have success as you strive to achieve the goals in your lives Board Member and current President Cresia Green- Davis accepted the graduating Class of 2002, followed by a moving musical solo by graduate Davion Farris. Mrs. McNally told the newly graduated Class of 2002 to Be honest and to remember and help America remember that the fellowship of human beings is more important than race, gender, or class in a democratic society. She told students, Use your political power for the community and for those less fortunate, and to always remember that you are not alone. With that, the graduating Class of 2002 walked out of the Forum into the proud embraces of family and friends, and on to meet their next challenge. Taking up where Mrs. McNally left off in is Principal Debra Tate, former principal of Payne Elementary School. Below: Some of Inglewood High School s top graduates in HILLCREST HIGH SCHOOL: CLASS OF 2002 On June 14 th, 45 students in the Class of 2002 proudly stepped up and graduated from Hillcrest High School. Commencement exercises were held at the Radisson Hotel in Culver City. Students receiving special recognitions included Kelly Aguilar, LaTasha Potts, Indira Manzo, Shanena Brown, Victor Bradford, and Nishai Pearson. These students have high grade These students have high grade point averages, contribute to the school and their classmates, and work together. This is what our society should be about. point averages, contribute to the school and their classmates, and work together, said former counselor Josephine Woods. This is what our society should be about. True to the Hillcrest tradition, teachers and staff also stood to be recognized. They received a standing ovation from the graduating class. Students honored two very special teachers, Fred...continued next page

11 HILLCREST HIGH SCHOOL continued from previous page Hudson and Thelma Robbins, who retired in 2002 after many years of service. Many Hillcrest graduates received scholarships in 2002 and are enrolled at the following schools: CSU Northridge, El Camino College, Santa Monica College, Temple University, Los Angeles Trade Tech, Westwood College of Aviation Technology, West LA College, and Concordia University. Others announced plans to enter the military or the work force. Hillcrest is a college preparation career center continuation high school, stressed Principal Edward Brownlee. High school must give way to a new way of life, said student representative Shanena Brown, encouraging fellow students to look to the future while treasuring the memories from Hillcrest and throughout their school experience. We are opening doors, she said. On this note, 45 students in the Class of 2002 from Hillcrest High School proudly stepped up and through the door made possible through their own efforts, and on to the next stage in their lives. Hillcrest 2002 graduate Tonishia Sykes now attends the College of the Canyons and is pursuing a degree in child psychology. She is pictured with her mother, Connie Sparks, Office Manager for IUSD s Information Technology Department, and Francesca McGowen, substitute clerk. MORNINGSIDE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES On the morning of June 20, 2002, graduating seniors gathered with family and friends at the Great Western Forum for Morningside High School s 48 th annual Commencement Exercise. The graduates walked ceremoniously into the Forum as the Morningside High School Band played prepared, as salutatorian Angelica Esparza put it, to be on their way to colleges, the workforce, and the armed forces to loyally serve their country. Senior Class Speaker Lisel Tucker, who graduated third in the class and now attends New York University, spoke meaningfully about the statistics that seem to be stacked against her class. Fortunately, she explained, Morningside s staff was always there to help students not only crack, but smash through the stereotypes. Lisel praised the Morningside High School teachers. Instead of giving us a fish, they taught us to fish, she said, emphasizing the fact that Morningside THE CLASS OF 2002 teachers work to give students the tools they need so that they can make it with or without them. Principal Stephen Strachan introduced the distinguished guests seated on stage and Assistant Principal Joyce Mayfield presented the Top 25 honor graduates many of whom headed to four-year Instead of giving us a fish, they taught us to fish, said 2002 graduate Lisel Tucker emphasizing the fact that Morningside High School teachers work to give students the tools they need to make it with or without them. colleges and universities in 2002 with a host of scholarships tucked under their arms. Now at UCLA, Salutatorian Angelica Esparza has plans to double major in chemistry and biology. At graduation, she spoke to classmates about the importance of always remembering where they came from and what they stand for. Somewhere out there, along the path of lives, we will be faced with the greatest challenge of our lives being true to ourselves. She also reminded classmates that success is not only measured by material possessions. Assistant Principal Evlyn Mainor honored retiring staff members Barbara Hayes and Ronald Boutelle, Ph.D., for their years of service, as well as two students, Verenice Jimenez and Rachael Lee, for overcoming the odds. Verenice then sang a beautiful solo. Valedictorian Elizabeth Rodriguez headed to UCLA in the fall with plans to major in microbiology, followed by law school. Elizabeth s ultimate career goal is to become one of California s US Senators, although she is very aware that it will be necessary to achieve many smaller yet equally important goals to reach that point. Today was not an easy goal to reach, she told fellow classmates on June 20 th, but here we stand, in spite of it all, stronger, wiser, and more appreciative of the neverending cycles of change. Here we have learned to accept change gracefully, make the best of those changes, and make the best of our lives. We have learned to accept each other, and, most importantly, we have learned to accept ourselves. The ceremony closed with a beautiful musical solo sung by LaToya King and remarks from former Superintendent Dr. James Harris Board Member and current President Cresia Green-Davis then accepted the graduating Class of 2002 from Morningside High School. Voices joined to sing the school s Alma Mater and celebrate students graduation to the next phase of their lives. 11

12 Students have to take a lot of tests these days. How do you feel about that? Daniel Farris is Inglewood High School s Associated Student Body President in Recently, he earned a score of 1300 on the SAT college entrance exam. Why is it important to take the SAT? It s used to determine if colleges will accept you and how much in scholarships and grants they are willing to give you, said Daniel. I was glad to score that high because it helps to determine my chances in college. What is the secret to your success? I would say the best thing I did is I started early. I first took the SAT in 10 th grade; that may have been the biggest help to me. By the time I got to 12 th grade I was more familiar with the test and therefore I was able to do better. 12 I rather enjoy testing because I take it as a challenge. It s not as stressful as a lot of assignments, and it shows your ability. TEST SCORES SHOW LONG-TERM GROWTH The Standards Are High The California Standards Tests (CST s) are the more difficult part of the test. Based on California s academic standards put in place four years ago, the CST s measure how well students understand what the state says they should know in English/language arts, mathematics, and other subjects, depending on the student s grade level. To put Inglewood s scores in perspective, in 2002, about 30% of all California students scored at the proficient level or better in reading, math, science, and social sciences. Why so few? It s because California has set guidelines that are among the toughest in the nation, writes L.A. Times reporter Duke Helfand. In other words, California holds its students up to very high standards. In Inglewood, elementary school students are again the high-scorers on the CST s, the result of many years of highly concentrated efforts to improve performance in the lower grades. Writing Their Way to Success Additionally, Inglewood 7 th -graders should be proud that their scores rose significantly this year on the California State Writing Test, which is given in 4 th and 7 th grades. The rise may be due, in part, to the efforts of teachers and district staff to strengthen writing skills by using the Inglewood Language Arts Performance Assignments (ILAP s). These assignments help to make teachers more familiar with the California standards, while preparing students for the new tests. Five Schools Hit Their Targets After test scores come out, the state calculates an Academic Performance Index (API) for each school. API scores range from 200 to 1,000. Based on last year s API s, the state gives each school a goal, called a growth target, for the coming year. Once a school hits 800 points, it gets an A from the state. In 2002, five Inglewood schools met and surpassed their growth targets. Hudnall Elementary made the largest API gain of 73 points, becoming the third Inglewood school to score over 800. Daniel Freeman Elementary made the second highest API gain of 39 points, followed by Kelso, Payne, and Warren Lane schools. API scores rose for Inglewood High and Monroe Middle schools but fell shy of their targets. If funding becomes available from the state, Hudnall, Kelso, Payne, and Warren Lane schools are eligible for financial awards for meeting their targets in all student subgroups and testing 95% or more of their students....continued from page 3 Beating the API Odds The five schools who hit their targets beat the odds in 2002 because it was harder to hit the targets this year. Why is that? Last year s API was calculated using only the Stanford 9 test scores. This year, the state added the English/language arts scores from the more difficult California Standards Tests. Next year will be harder still because the API will include standards tests in mathematics, history/social science standards tests at the high school level, and the CA High School Exit Exam. As more and more standards tests are included in the API calculations schools [may] find it harder to meet targets, said Delaine Eastin, former State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Kelso Leads the Way In overall API scores, Kelso Elementary School students led the way in 2002 with a score of 827. This is the fourth consecutive year that Kelso has scored over 800 points. Hudnall Soars above 800 Hudnall students record performance helped the school soar into the 800 s for the first time this year. Schools with API scores above 700 points in 2002 include Bennett-Kew, Payne, Freeman, Oak Street, and Highland. Our Goal is 800 on the API Our goal is 800 on the API, read signs posted in every classroom at Hudnall Elementary School. The staff worked to achieve the goal from day one by offering after-school and intersession classes, concentrating heavily on the state standards, and planning in teams at each grade level, to name a few. The teamwork of the teachers and the other strategies we put in place worked, said After scoring in the 99 th percentile in reading and math on the Stanford 9, it s no surprise that Morningside High School s Daisy Larios aced yet another test this time, she earned a combined score of 1370 on the SAT college entrance exam....continued next page

13 TEST SCORES...continued from previous page...our teachers are excellent and dedicated professionals who are here every day working hard at Principal Dr. Norma Baker, who continues to lend an extra hand by tutoring fourth grade students on Fridays. At Daniel Freeman Elementary School, Principal Sammie Young gives a lot of credit for students 39-point API increase to making everyone aware of the test and having the attitude that We re going to do the best we can. She thanks the school s partners, including HomeTown Buffet, Lifetouch, and Blockbuster, for providing incentives for students to do well in school. Principal Jacqueline Moore attributes Kelso Elementary School s top performance to a consistent instructional program focusing on reading and math, a providing instruction. -Principal Jacqueline Moore, Kelso Elementary School reading specialist and afterschool/intersession classes, regular homework, communication with parents, and teacher mentoring, to name a few. I think the best thing is that our teachers are excellent and dedicated professionals who are here every day working hard at providing instruction, said Mrs. Moore. More Than Just Test Scores The fact that all [Inglewood] elementary school teachers and principals are trained has led to the overall success of our schools, added Mrs. Moore. What we do is not unique to Kelso. If a school is scoring in the 600 s, it doesn t mean they re not working every bit as hard. We have to keep in mind that a lot of factors determine whether a school is a quality school not just test scores. DOING WHAT WORKS IN THE UPPER GRADES While no one argues that learning is the goal of education it is important to remember that standardized tests are only one way of showing how much a student has learned. In the classroom, teachers use many methods to find out what students know and what more they need to learn. On a larger scale, the schools and the district use the state test results to identify ways to improve instruction. Using a variety of strategies such as those mentioned by the principals, the Inglewood Unified School District continues to move forward towards the goal of preparing students to do well on tests they will face, and for academic success overall. For more information about test scores, see the California Department of Education s website at or contact your local school. The author would like to thank Jullenia Dabney-Dortch, Testing Coordinator, and Dr. Jim Pisano, District Evaluator, for their extensive help with this report. The Inglewood Miracle...continued from page 2 Of the five schools to make the list, four were spotlighted in the report. Principals Lorraine Fong (Bennett- Kew), Dr. Norma Baker (Hudnall), Debra Tate (then principal of Payne), and Jacqueline Moore (Kelso) describe the many factors that led to the schools success. In the past year, Mrs. Moore went to London and Mrs. Fong went to Washington, D.C. to share the secrets of their schools success. The trips were made possible by the Heritage Foundation, authors of the 2000 book, No Excuses: Lessons from 21 High Performing, High Poverty Schools. Dr. Baker has been taking part in panel discussions throughout California on Education Reform: Overcoming Obstacles with Senator Charles Poochigian. Of the eight California schools highlighted in the 2002 report, four are in Inglewood. Hence, the title of the chapter is The Inglewood Miracle. You may read the Pacific Research Foundation report online at or arrange to pick up a copy at the Public Relations office by calling Inglewood s elementary school students score very well on California s state tests and this is no accident. We laid the groundwork by investing in reading programs at the lower levels and implementing a variety of strategies district-wide, said Dr. Rhuenette Montle, Chief Academic Officer. The intensive effort now underway in grades 6-12 is expected to bring about similar long-term results. High Schools Team Up in Math, Language Arts Through the California Academic Partnership Program (CAPP), teachers from Inglewood and Morningside high schools meet together monthly to share instructional strategies and teaching practices with one another, look at student work, and take part in workshops. Together, they plan to help students succeed on the CA High School Exit Exam and other tests, while at the same time preparing them for universitylevel work. Coaches work with these teacher teams. Now in its 4 th year in Inglewood, the CAPP partnership is considering coaches for grades 6-8 too. Executive Director of Secondary Education (acting) Dr. Liza Scruggs took on the new position last year to work with principals and focus more attention on instructional activities in grades Partners and Grants Universities and partners bring added expertise to grades Staff training, team planning, staff visits to model schools, college visits for students, more Advanced Placement (AP) classes, and restructuring the schools are some activities made possible by programs such as IIUSP, High Priority Schools, Small Learning Communities, Advanced Placement Challenge, Gear Up, Advancement Via Individual Determination, and CAPP. Teachers Team Up in Grades 6-12 Students build upon what they learn each year that s why connecting learning from grade to grade is so important a concept known as vertical teaming. Starting with science and mathematics, teachers in grades 6-12 will soon team up district-wide and take part in Advanced Placement vertical team training together. New Textbooks All students, grades 6-12, are now using the same, brand-new, state-approved literature/language arts textbook series from Holt, Rinehart, and Winston. CA High School Exit Exam Assistance Two classes, Fundamentals of Algebra and Fundamentals of English/Language Arts, are being offered in the 2 nd semester and over the summer to help Class of 2004 students who need assistance preparing for the test. Lending a Hand with Language! Reading classes using the researchbased, state-approved Language! program are currently being offered at the high schools for students in grades 9-10 who have delays in reading, writing, and spelling. Former principal Adriana McNally is coordinating this effort. Using Proven Teaching Strategies Each high school is also using specialized teaching strategies to improve student achievement, such as Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, and Reading (WICR) and Thinking Maps. Teaching the California Standards Specially-designed classroom assignments in language arts (ILAP) and math (IMAP) help teachers to prepare students for tests based on California s standards. We are a good, small school district where we can do a lot of things to make a big difference, said Dr. Scruggs. Above are just a few of the steps the Inglewood Unified School District is taking to bring about tall strides in academic achievement for students in grades

14 To Protect and Serve Children The Inglewood Unified School District Police Department All students deserve to have a safe environment in which to learn. That s why children s safety is the number one goal of the Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) Police Department. The IUSD police officers have many responsibilities. The obvious ones are protecting children and enforcing the law, but the officers do much more. They are in the field 24 hours a day, 7 days a week patrolling school grounds, working with the community, responding to calls, supervising large events, visiting classrooms, and interacting with kids. Permanent officers are stationed at the high schools, while others have several schools to watch over. They have all the responsibilities of regular police officers except that they are dedicated to serving and protecting children above all. It s All about Kids These children are the future. They re going to be the ones running things. We need to get them ready as best we can, said Lieutenant Herman Jones, who serves in the school district because it gives him the opportunity to educate young people and, sometimes, to help them make a change in their lives. Officer Sharon Tripp, who makes a point of visiting classrooms and getting to know the children, agrees. If kids hear advice from authority figures, Left: Officer Beam closes off traffic in front of Inglewood High School for a fire drill. FINANCIAL REPORT sometimes they listen more. Positive encouragement goes a long way. The kids I ve come across, I think I ve helped a lot. Students and Police Play Ball Officer Tripp came on board in May of 2002 and has since worked to bring the Police Athletic League (PAL) to Inglewood schools. Basketball tryouts were held in December of 2002, and Inglewood students district-wide, ages 11-16, now play on six boys and girls PAL basketball teams coached by IUSD police officers and security personnel. IUSD Police Chief Albert Vasquez Experts with Young People The police officers must receive special training for working with children. In October of 2000, the department was certified by the California Department of Justice s Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST). We are professional police officers, said Senior Officer Philip Beam. We are here to help, but we can also give you a ticket if we need to. At the same time, the IUSD officers are trained to be experts in working with children. Chief Brings Changes Under IUSD Police Chief Albert Vasquez, every officer completed the training necessary to maintain his or her POST certification. Chief Vasquez came on board in July of 2001 and immediately set to work getting officers trained, purchasing safety equipment, making long term plans, encouraging teamwork, and professionalizing the department. He came to Inglewood after nearly 6 years abroad with the U.S. Justice Department, where he worked to bring democratic policing practices to Bosnia, Kosovo, and East Timor. In a letter from the U.S. Embassy in East Timor, William Gray wrote, The U.S. Representative Office has suffered a major blow in the...continued on page 19 Fiscal year closed with a modest ending balance that included the Board-adopted 4% reserve, which is 1% higher than the legal requirement. In June of 2002, the Board of Education adopted the budget. A dynamic document, the budget changes throughout the year based on changing school district needs and funding sources. Each year, three Interim Report presentations are made to the Board of Education on the status of the current budget. This year, due to California s state budget crisis, school districts throughout the state are facing large budget cuts which means that important decisions will soon be made as to how to make the best use of reduced funding to provide a high quality education for Inglewood students. With the participation of key stakeholders, the district will soon develop budget reduction plans for as a proactive approach to budget management. In the meantime, it is important to keep in mind that the school district is rich in resources students have new textbooks; schools have computers; and Inglewood s teachers continue to provide top-notch instruction to students. With the support of the community, school district officials are determined to weather the storm. Careful budget planning and monitoring are key to being able to provide Inglewood students with high quality academic and enrichment programs. Inglewood Unified is committed to making the best use of available funds so that schools can continue doing what they do best educating children. 14

15 MEASURE K SPECIAL REPORT Two Brand-New Classroom Facilities and Counting... Ayear ago this time, the Inglewood Unified School District was proud to announce that major construction was on the horizon. The drawings had been approved, the construction firms selected, and the heavy machinery had moved in to begin work on new classroom buildings at Parent and Centinela schools. Now, one short year later, students attend school in the brand-new classrooms at Parent School as if they had been there all along. The milestone accomplishments a five-building classroom complex at Parent and a nearly-completed two-story building at Centinela stand as proud signs of what is in store for Inglewood s remaining campuses. Measure K is Well Underway Throughout the District The construction was made possible by the $131 million Measure K bond issue, passed by Inglewood and Ladera Heights voters in 1998 to the tune of the rally cry, All the way with Measure K! Now, in 2002, the Inglewood Unified School District is prepared to take Measure K all the way district-wide. Just turn the page to find out the status of Measure K construction projects at your school. Please keep in mind that each school project must pass through a number of steps, from planning/programming, to design, to state approval, to bid and award, and finally, to construction. Careful attention must be paid to the Measure K budget and state funding trends every step of the way. The Measure K team has made significant progress on plans for school projects throughout the district this year, from those listed as high priority to those with less pressing needs. More Money for School Projects This year, the Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) will be able to take advantage of additional funds for facilities through California s Proposition BB, passed by voters in November of To receive state funds, architectural drawings must be submitted to the Division of State Architect (DSA). New construction projects at Parent, Centinela, and Crozier are eligible in this round of funding because their applications have either been approved (Parent and...continued next page Parent School, January 13, 2003: Students play outside the new auditorium/multipurpose facility, one of five new buildings on campus made possible by Measure K. Left: Principal Malcolm Butler of Parent School discusses plans with CMTS Project Manager Tom Jeffries at an earlier stage of Phase I. Parent School A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Parent School on January 27, 2003, to officially celebrate the completion of the first major Measure K bond construction project. Parent was given top priority for construction because it was the only school not to benefit from district-wide facilities modernization in The new facilities include four classroom buildings and a fifth building with a spacious multipurpose room and two science and art labs. The administrative offices were upgraded and remodeled. New staff and visitor parking areas and a kindergarten drop-off area round out this phase of Measure K improvements. Phase II of the project, now underway, involves upgrades to existing buildings, including converting the old cafeteria into a media center with library resources, a computer lab, and a resource room for teachers. Everybody s excited, said Principal Malcolm Butler. Our students will now have hands-on experiences that were not available prior to Measure K. 15

16 After a lengthy design process with input from students, community, school and district staff, the construction plans are just about finished for new classroom buildings at Inglewood High School. After Board approval, they will be submitted to the Division of State Architect (DSA) for review. The plans include three brand-new facilities in the southern portion of the Inglewood High School campus one each for math/science, humanities, and the arts giving the school an overall college feel and supporting its reorganization into subject-area academies. The auditorium will be updated, and an addition to the S building will house the performing arts programs. A central student commons will provide space for student gatherings. All portable classrooms will eventually be removed from the campus. KEY: R = Existing Auditorium, S = Performing Arts, D = Humanities, E = Math/Science, C = Arts Centinela) or submitted (Crozier). Designs for Inglewood High School and Highland Elementary School will be submitted shortly and are likely to receive the added funds. Why is this good news? The state matching funds allow the district to deliver a more robust construction program, said Paul Letson, who came on board in July of 2002 as the Executive Director in charge of Measure K construction and school maintenance. In layman s terms, he explained, it means that if you were planning on building a one-car garage you ll now be able to build a two-car garage with help from the state program. Since Proposition BB passed, many school districts have been hurrying to finish plans and apply for state funding. Inglewood, however, has several projects already lined up. Because we have an in-house construction management team, the work that was done puts us in a good position to take advantage of state money, said Mr. Letson. Maximizing state funds is essential for maximizing the learning environment at each campus, said CMTS Senior Project Manager Robert S. Miller, who is working to prioritize construction projects to 16 More Money for School Projects...continued from previous page MAKING PROGRESS AT EVERY SCHOOL... School Bennett-Kew Centinela Crozier Freeman Highland Hillcrest Hudnall Inglewood Kelso La Tijera Monroe Morningside Oak Parent Payne Warren Lane Woodworth Worthington Phase Status - 12/8/03 P rogramming 100% C onstruction 33% C onstruction Documents 90% D esign Development 90% C onstruction Documents 50% S chematic Design 90% S chematic Design 90% C onstruction Documents 50% S chematic Design 90% D esign Development 85% D esign Development 50% S chematic Design 50% R eplacement Study 100% C onstruction 74% S chematic Design 90% S chematic Design 95% S chematic Design 15% S chematic Design 25% Illustration courtesy of Fields Devereaux Architects & Engineers Inglewoood High School R make the most of state funds. With the help of Sage Institute s Joel Kirschenstein, the Measure K team is working at the state level to make sure funding is available for much-needed projects. S D E C ACCOMPLISHMENTS ADD UP In addition to the new facilities at Parent and Centinela schools, some of the biggest Measure K accomplishments in 2002 include the following: Architectural designs for Crozier Middle School were completed and are now at the Division of State Architect (DSA) awaiting approval. Next, contractors will be selected and construction can begin. Architectural designs for Highland Elementary School and Inglewood High School are almost finished. After Board approval, they will be submitted to the DSA for review. Properties were acquired for the expansion of the Highland Elementary School campus. Learning villages for students in grades K-5 were completed at La Tijera School in early preparation for Measure K construction at the school. A tubular steel fence around the Morningside High School track is under construction. Irrigation systems are under construction at Morningside High School, Monroe Middle School, Woodworth Elementary School, and Inglewood High School. Learning villages were completed at La Tijera School In early preparation for Measure K construction.

17 Highland Elementary School Left: Plans for new construction at Highland Elementary School include a 2-story classroom building (pictured) with an underground parking structure, a multipurpose facility to serve as the auditorium/cafeteria, a new kindergarten building, and a new playing field. The current school facility will be upgraded and the cafeteria converted into a library/ multimedia center. Martinez Architects, Inc. are now putting the final touches on the construction documents. After Board approval, they will be submitted to the Division of State Architect for review and permission to build. Key Steps to A Successful Project Before construction actually starts, each project must pass through several key phases. Planning/Programming In this phase, school site teams meet with the architect and project manager to help decide what construction is needed. Decisions are made as to where and in what order to build, and how to make sure that students daily instruction takes place as usual. Design I. Schematic Design First, the planning information is turned into a site layout with building locations. II. Design Development Next, the architects start to fill in the blanks. This includes definitions of systems such as air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and so on. III. Construction Documents These are the final detailed and dimensioned drawings that allow a contractor to build. IV. Design Review During each design phase described above, the Measure K team reviews the design documents to ensure that the design is viable and efficient. The Board of Education must approve each phase. State Approval Plans for construction and improvements at public schools must be submitted to California s Division of the State Architect (DSA). DSA review and approval are similar to getting a building permit. Bid and Award As a public agency, the Inglewood Unified School District must use an open bid process to find contractors to work on the project. Any qualified contractor can submit a bid. After the Measure K team analyzes the bids received, the Board of Education considers their recommendations for awarding a contract. Construction Construction begins. Each phase of work can take anywhere from four months to as long as fifteen months or more for the largest, most complex phases. KEEPING SCHOOLS IN TOP SHAPE While plans for new classroom facilities are underway, the IUSD maintenance staff continues to make regular repairs and improvements to school facilities. Landscaping and irrigation are part of an effort to bring more green to school campuses. A fresh coat of paint has given Morningside High School a new look for Other exterior painting projects are ongoing as a part of regular school Morningside High School maintenance. Poorly maintained facilities send a poor message to our students, said Mr. Letson. In order to keep schools in the best possible condition, the following changes are now being put into place: a reorganization of the management structure, more field supervision for quality control, an indepth review of all school facilities to make sure they are up to code, and professional uniforms for custodial and maintenance staff. Crozier Middle School The plans for Crozier Middle School have been submitted to the Division of State Architect for approval, making it the next Inglewood school in line for major construction. Most of the school will be torn down and rebuilt in phases. The plans include a 2-story complex with approximately 40 classrooms and labs, a multipurpose building with a gymnasium/locker rooms and a cafeteria with an amphitheater-style outdoor patio, a 2-story administrative building, a 2-story library/multimedia building, and new sports fields/courts. The illustration by architects Dougherty and Dougherty depicts what the northern portion of the campus will look like. 17

18 MEASURE K SPECIAL REPORT An Inspired Space for Learning Students need to have a pleasing, uplifting, and energizing environment in which to learn, said Dr. Rhuenette Montle, Chief Academic Officer. I m pleased to say that the Measure K team is listening to our instructional leaders and doing what is best for the students. After all, the bottom line is the degree to which Measure K dollars improve the learning environment children need to feel both comfortable and inspired. Judging from the reactions of students and teachers as they moved into new classrooms at Centinela Elementary School Phase I of construction at Centinela Elementary School is expected to be complete by the end of February meaning that Centinela students will soon be able to enjoy their new 2-story, 10-classroom facility. The administrative offices have also been remodeled as a part of Phase I. In Phase II, a new kindergarten facility and a multipurpose building with a media center and art labs will be built. Enthusiasm is mounting, said Centinela Principal Alma Davis. The staff and students are very excited about our new facilities and the positive effect they will have on teaching and learning. It is great to see the reality of former Superintendent Dr. Nash s dream, and for the citizens of Inglewood and Ladera Heights to experience the positive effect of their Measure K dollars to improve the schools. Thanks a million! Pictured: The new 2-story building at Centinela Elementary School as of January 18, Parent School that s just the type of educational environment that Measure K is making possible. This is great! exclaimed one little boy who arrived at school early that day, his eyes as big as saucers as he explored the new classroom complex. The Inglewood Unified School District continues to work diligently to arrive at the day that every IUSD student has that same reaction as, one by one, the Measure K program brings brand-new facilities to every school campus. I m excited and pleased about the pace and progress of Measure K projects to date, said Daniel Tabor, Chairperson of the Measure K Bond Oversight Committee. The Oversight Committee and school district staff are working hard to ensure that the goals of the citizens, in their passage of the bond measure, are met. To see these plans materialize and to see the potential impact it can have on student learning is very exciting, said Dr. Montle. There is excitement and a sense of pride that something new and wonderful is beginning. THE PUBLIC IS INVITED Would you like to make your voice heard regarding Measure K and facilities maintenance? The public is invited to attend the regular meetings of the Measure K Bond Oversight Committee, a group of community volunteers that reviews Measure K progress reports, gives suggestions, and monitors bond spending. The Oversight Committee is also looking for new members. Please call for the schedule. For additional information, you can visit the Measure K website at: iusd/programs/measurek FACILITIES DIRECTOR BRINGS EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE Paul J. Letson has eight years of experience working in the engineering division of a water utility and four years managing facilities planning and construction in a school district. He understands how important it is to create a proper learning environment for children that s why he is one of 12 people who serve on the California Legislative Advisory Committee for CASH (Coalition for Adequate School Housing), an organization that makes sure funding and legislation are put in place to serve the growing school facility needs of California s children. Mr. Letson plans to be in Inglewood for the long haul. It s a tremendous blessing to be here, he said. It s more than just a vocation for me. I feel driven compelled to make a difference in the quality of life the children experience here. 18 Left: Principal Alma Davis visits the construction site at an earlier stage of Phase I.

19 After-School Program at Highland...continued from page 6 child s academic skills. Improved academic skills in turn help to improve students self-esteem, said Highland Principal Judy Washington. A good afterschool program should spark young people s curiosity and love of learning. Highland s classes do just that. Students are happy to choose from a long list of electives including robotics, computer lab, art, karate, chorus, dance, and cooking. [The robotics class is] a challenge, said one student while busily following detailed plans to build the body of a robot with classmates. You can t do it by yourself you need teamwork, he said. In the next stage, the students use computers to program their robot s activities. The important thing is for them to figure it out not for me to tell them, said their teacher, Sonia Lindsay. In the cooking class, students take careful turns spooning ingredients into a bowl, learning about fractions as they move from small portions to entire batches. In November, the chorus and dance classes were already busy practicing for Highland s holiday performance. What do students like about the after-school program? First of all, I like that we get to do our homework. Second of all, I like the fun activities we do, said 5 th -grader Catrice Parhms. I give it 100 stars. One thing I like is the teachers, said 5 th -grader Marlyn Arguello. They re polite and nice. They re the best teachers a student could have like parents, but at school. Occasionally, students go on after-school field trips. Last year s trips included the opera, whale watching, the Natural History Museum, the Nutcracker Suite Ballet, roller-skating, and a Dodgers game. On other occasions, visitors such as Friday Night Live Kids have brought educational activities to the school. After-School Programs at Many Schools The Highland program is one of many excellent after-school programs in the Inglewood Unified School District s elementary, middle, and high schools designed to keep students engaged in learning long after the school day is over. Programs are funded by the federal government and the State of California, by grants and partnerships, and by the schools themselves. As a part of a district-wide effort to help students who are trying to improve their academic skills, the after-school classes offer assistance in reading, language arts, and mathematics. The programs also offer a range of other subjects including science, social studies, technology, performing and visual arts, Gifted and Talented classes, and athletic programs. Please contact your school for more information about after school programs available to your child. To Protect and Serve Children...continued from page 14 departure of Al Vasquez, whose work stands out brightly as one of the most successful international assistance endeavors in East Timor. In Inglewood, he has used his extensive experience, along with the help of the department s dedicated police officers, to bring about the changes needed to make the IUSD police department a model for other school districts. This chief did more in his first 6 months than I ve seen in the 23 years I ve been here, said Officer Beam. He has really professionalized the place to the point where the officers themselves see a positive change. Moving Forward as a Team We re moving forward on a lot of fronts, said Chief Vasquez, who recently earned his MA from Chapman University. The officers really want to help. We formed six committees to address various issues. Out of 24 (part- and fulltime) officers in the department, 15 volunteered to serve on the committees. This is our department, he said, emphasizing the importance of teamwork. Positive Role Models We really admire and praise the IUSD police department because they have been available to us even when we don t have any particular incidents, said Principal Sammie Young of Daniel Freeman Elementary School. They come over and make the children feel comfortable and show them that they are positive role models and that they are there in case anything does happen. At this time in particular, it is good because they are making sure children know they don t have to fear police officers that the officers are there to serve and support the school and the community. To add a new twist to an old saying it takes a village to keep a safe environment for children. The partnership between school and the community is key to achieving this goal. Please feel free to contact the IUSD Police Department at Scholarships, Scholarships, and More Scholarships...continued from page 9 to award over $20,000 in scholarships to graduates of Inglewood, Morningside, Hillcrest, and Inglewood Adult schools. A major fundraiser for the Foundation is the annual golf tournament, which will be held on Friday, May 23, Be sure to save the date! In addition to the IEF scholarships, Inglewood students continue to head to college with the support of scholarships from community organizations, individuals, universities, and other groups. For information on scholarships, students should ask their college counselors. To make a donation or for additional information, please call Maurice Wiley, IEF coordinator, at Robotics students in Highland s after school program. 19

20 Inglewood Preschoolers Learn to Play and Play to Learn The Family-School Connection The CDC programs specialize in early childhood education, but by involving the entire family, the staff is able to accomplish much more. Education is important, but there are other factors that are essential to a family experiencing growth like having one s voice heard and being in an environment where basic rights are respected and honored, explained the center s director, Linda Anderson. Once that happens, a person can express his or her basic needs. Once those needs are expressed, our job is to see that they are met. Families in Head Start begin by meeting with Fabiola Franco, Coordinator of Social Services. She helps them to figure out what they need whether it is food, Students Shop for College...continued from page 9 ASB Vice President. The students need choices, said Ms. Jolly-Blanks. They need to know what s out there. It s their decision where they want to go. Having a good variety is important. Noel Gonzalez, a 10 th -grader at IUSD s City Honors High School, trekked to the college fair in the rain with his cousin, Saul, and his friend David Leon, both of whom attend Inglewood High School. Noel already has his sights set on Harvard, but he decided to see what the other colleges had to offer. [We figured] we might as well check out the colleges and our futures instead of staying home and doing nothing, he said, smiling. Even 8 th -graders from Crozier Middle School were there, gathering pamphlets, asking questions of the college representatives, and rattling off the list of schools they hope to attend. The students came supervised by UCLA math and science tutors who work with them as part of the Gear-Up college preparatory program. [You go to college] to 20...continued from page 4 financial crisis assistance, counseling, or English language education, to name a few. She then helps them to meet those needs, usually through one of the 19 local community agencies that are partners with the school. When we take the student, we take the whole family, said Mrs. Franco. That s why it s no surprise that families are involved on the CDC campus. Aide Castro, whose daughter attends Head Start, was recently elected chairperson of the Policy Committee, a group of get a better education so that you can be something in life, said Crozier student Kevin Mayowa, who plans to become a computer technician and perhaps, someday, invent his own computer the Kevintosh. Planning for the Future It was a blessing to see all of our young people excited about planning for their future education, wrote Pastor Melvin W. Johnson II of God s Temple of Praise Community Church. I am so thankful that Inglewood School District, with generous support from Hollywood Park, has taken the steps to help teach, train, and educate our young people how to be the best they can be by planning for their college education now for, our youth is our future. Mrs. Jolly-Blanks has been doing a wonderful job with the college fair, said Mr. Mims. That s why more and more colleges come, and more and more Inglewood students get to attend the colleges of their choice. A Place for Special Children The Head Start program is also a place for young special education students to be a part of a regular classroom environment. Many of these children first attend the Preschool Pathways program, located next-door to CDC on the Woodworth Elementary School campus. Approximately 10% to 15% transfer to Head Start each year. There, they continue to receive support from specialists in partnership with Preschool Pathparents who must approve the director s decisions. One of the many parents who are happy to volunteer their time at the school, Mrs. Castro has helped out in the classroom for the last two years. She also takes college-level classes through Head Start, where parents can earn up to 12 units in early childhood education. Other resources for students and families include a school psychologist, a speech and language therapist, a school nurse, and family counseling. There is also a Family Resource Center a room packed with information about child development, effective parenting strategies, and raising children with special needs, to name a few. We teach parents how to be advocates for their children, said Neshea Cabrera, a Head Start teacher. ways, while at the same time learning to be part of a regular classroom environment. It is an excellent program with teachers who are really caring, said Brenda Haines, an outside specialist who works with one Head Start student who has special medical needs. They put a lot of time and thought into their activities. Cathy Leverette, a program assistant in the Child Development Center, is convinced of the program s longterm success. It really works, she said, explaining how her niece, now in 11 th grade, was placed in advanced classes upon graduating from CDC, and has been in such classes throughout her educational career. Mrs. Leverette s grandson is now a Magnet student at Monroe Middle School and her granddaughter attends CDC. It s a good start for children, she said. I m a living witness that it works. Teamwork Makes All the Difference We are making some tall strides in changing the future society for the better, and we re doing it by starting in the early childhood arena, said Director Linda Anderson. However, it takes the home, school, community, government, and anyone else who s willing to roll up their sleeves and become a team player to make the best possible results for each family. To that end, the CDC always welcomes new partners and funding. For information on how to join the CDC team in providing much-need resources to families, please call

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